Wanderlust returns to Chicago with own style of triathlon

PHOTO: Wanderlust, which has hosted other yoga events in Chicago, returns for Wanderlst 108 on May 30. | Sophia Nahli Allison for Wanderlust

There’s triathlons, and then there’s Wanderlust 108, which lands in the Chicago area on May 30.

It’s billed as the first mindful triathlon. The creators reimagined what the triathlon of their dreams would be and came up with Wanderlust 108, which is being held at different locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.

It will kick off with a 5k fun run that takes participants through St. Paul Woods in north suburban Morton Grove. That’s followed by an energized 90 minutes of yoga led by Wade Gotwals and MC Yogi. How high-energy? Think Beastie Boys soundtrack.

Things wind down after that, with guided meditation led by Sage Roundtree.

Operating throughout the day will be the Kula Marketplace, which will offer a chance to buy jewelry, clothing and other handcrafted items from local craft vendors. There will be organic food booths as well, with a number offering vegetarian and vegan fare.

The day closes with music by DJ Robinda at the Main Stage. All in all, quite a full day.

And if you’re wondering, why 108, here is the explanation from the organizers: “In many Eastern traditions, the number 108 signifies the interconnection between body, mind and the universe. For us, one represents unity (we are one, after all), zero represents stillness or calmness, and eight, with its resemblance to the infinity symbol, represents infinite possibility.”